The Bible in Real Life

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:1-4)

The most important thing in life is to know God. If you truly know God, then you should want to live by his word. The real question is…do you? I believe that we now live in the world that was described by Paul in the verses above. A world that has accumulated many teachers to suit their own passions. It is very evident in our government’s policies. We find teachers that tell us what we want to hear instead of looking to the Bible for guidance. The most popular excuse is that we need to separate government from religion but even that stance ignores the Bible’s teaching on government itself. God instituted government for a specific purpose. A purpose that is outlined in one of the many topics I have listed on this page.

I think our founding fathers understood this purpose well. That is probably the reason that the Bible was quoted more than any other document during the founding era. They believed the Bible should guide our lives and also how we govern. That is not the case today. We have exchanged absolute morals found in the Bible with legal positivism. We have replaced Biblical principles with principles that we want the Bible to support but are just not there. The most frightening part is that these things are happening with the support of those who profess the Christian faith. We are wondering off into myths because we are listening to unsound teaching. I hope this page will help get some back on solid ground. In my effort to find a book on politics based upon sound Biblical teaching I was introduced to the following book by Wayne Grudem (author of Systematic Theology)

Politics – According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture

It is good because it has extensive scripture references that support the positions he gives for each topic. He also addresses some of the alternative arguments that you will hear from the likes of Jim Wallis and others. Outside of the Bible itself, this is the best reference that I have found so far and it is the basis for this page. I would encourage everyone to get a copy.

But on to the list of topics. These are all very applicable to our lives today. If you find yourself in conflict just reflect on whether your position is based upon the Bible or something else. Every once in a while I write a little more detail on some of these topics. You can find those here. As always, comments are welcome.

Abortion

According to the Bible, abortion is the taking of a human life..ie- murder. Civil governments have a moral obligation to protect its citizens, especially the weakest and most defenseless (Ps 82:4, Rom 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-14). This includes laws protecting the unborn and punishing those who would perform abortions. The following verses are relevant to abortion

Man was made in God’s image, differentiating man from other creatures (Gen 1:26)
God illustrates the importance of human life (Gen 9:6)
Passage references twins in the womb as children (Gen 25:22-23)
God says if an unborn child is harmed, the punishment is life for a life (Ex 21:22)
Passages in Psalms that reference life beginning at conception (Psa 51:5, 127:3, 139:13, 139:16)
God specifies the ripping open of pregnant women by the Ammonites as a reason for his judgment (Amos 1:13)
The story of John the Baptist leaping in the womb when Mary visits Elizabeth (Luk 1:41-44)

Capital Punishment

The Bible supports civil government’s use of capital punishment for things such as premeditated murder. The foundation for this is found in Gen 9:5-6 which is important because it comes before the Mosaic law. Rom 12:19, Rom 13:4, and 1 Peter 2:14 further support the role of civil government in carrying out capital punishment. Rev 6:9-10 addresses the morality of desiring justice.

Civil Government

God instituted civil government to punish evil and promote good. The foundation for this is laid out in Genesis, specifically 9:5-6, when God instructs Noah that man should carry out God’s justice with regards to murder. The following New Testament passages further support God instituted civil government for this purpose: John 19:11, Rom 13:1-7, and 1 Peter 2:13-14

Coercive Interrogation / Torture:

This falls under the criteria for how a Just War should be fought (Avoidance of Evil Means Ps 34:14). Enemy prisoners should be treated humanely according to the standards set by the Geneva Conventions,

Exceptions:

Terrorists who are captured trying to carry out terrorist attacks forfeit the status of prisoner of war and Geneva Convention protections because they deliberately attack civilians and do not fight in uniform (morally wrong and competent authority). They should still be treated humanely, but if they have sensitive information about imminent attacks against innocent citizens the government is morally obligated to protect these citizens according to Biblical principles in Ps 82:4 and Rom 13-3-4. This includes coercive interrogation techniques if needed. The Biblical criteria / justification (Follows Just War):

Just Cause (interrogation for a morally right cause) Rev. 19:11
Right Intention (Purpose of interrogation to save innocent lives) Prov 21:2
Last Resort (reasonable means exhausted before more coercive ones used) Matt 5:9, Rom 12:18
Probability of Success (reasonable expectation that it will work) Luke 14:31
Criteria of proportionality of force (least amount of force to gain the needed information should be used) Deut 20:10-12
The Bible has no moral objection to the infliction of pain to attempt to compel a right action (Prov 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15)

There should be limits to what a civil government is allowed to do with coercive techniques. Generally accepted limitations given in Wayne Grudem’s Politics According to the Bible:

Do not commit actions that are in themselves always immoral (such as rape)
Do not deny medical treatment
Do not carry out sadistic humiliation of prisoners
Do not attempt to force a prisoner to violate their religious convictions (given they do not pose a threat to the country, its people, or its defense)
Do not do anything that would cause lasting physical damage to the prisoner (cutting off fingers/toes, gouging out eyes, branding, twisting and binding limbs so that they cause permanent disability)

Such things do not serve any valid purpose. There are methods that inflict bodily pain (for example) but do not cause long term damage that are available to use and effective to obtain the information needed.

Corporal Punishment

The Bible supports corporal punishment. The following verses give this support.

Proverbs 3:11-12, 13:24, 19:18, 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15, 29:17, Eph 6:4, Col 3:21, Heb 12:9, Heb 12:11

Divorce

Divorce is not part of God’s plan for marriage, but he does make provision for it because of our sinful nature. Old Testament passages that discuss divorce:

Law that you cannot re-marry your ex-wife if she remarries and divorces another man (Deut: 1-4)
Rules for priests (Lev 21:7,14)
Vows of divorced women (Num 30:9)

Valid reasons for divorce were clarified in the New Testament

Jesus allowed divorce for the physical act of adultery (Matt 19:9)
Paul allowed divorce when an unbelieving spouse deserts a believing partner (1 Cor 7:15)

Euthanasia

The Bible says it is morally wrong to take the life of a terminally ill person and our laws should reflect this. Biblical support:

The commandment, You shall not murder (Ex 20:13)
The story of the death of Saul and David’s response (2 Sam 1:1-16)

Foreign Intervention

The Bible supports intervention to help other nations for just causes. God rebuked Edom through the prophet Obadiah because they did not help when the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem. (Obad. 11)

Freedom of Religion

The Bible supports freedom of religion.

Basis comes from Jesus’ statement about Caesar (Matt 22:21)
Jesus tells Peter to put his sword back in its place meaning that Christianity would not be spread forcibly (Matt 26:51-52)
Throughout the Bible people freely choose to believe in Jesus or to not believe in Jesus. They are never forced by anyone, to include Jesus himself. One story in particular many of his followers stopped following him and he freely let them go (John 6:60-66)
Peter refused to submit to government restriction on freedom of religion (Acts 4:20; 5:29)

Freedom of Speech

The Bible supports freedom of speech.

Key in keeping the government accountable to the people and enables the government to be chosen by the people [see Representative Government]
It restrains government officials from using their power for personal gain instead of for the good of the people as God warned the Israelites (1 Sam 8:10-18)
Essential to safeguard human liberty [see Individual Liberty]
Essential to protect human freedom of choice, which is supported Biblically (Deut 30:19; Josh 24:15; Matt 11:28; Rev 22:17)

Gun Ownership/Self Defense

The Bible supports self defense and carrying a weapon for self defense if needed. Biblical support:

Jesus encourages his disciples to carry a sword for self defense and to buy a sword if they did not have one, also apparent that at least two disciples who had been with Jesus for 3 years were carrying swords (Luke 22:36-38)
Jesus does not rebuke Peter for having the sword and tells him to put it back in its place, not get rid of it (Matthew 26:52)

Homosexuality

God views homosexuality as a sin, calling it an abomination. Christians should view this action as such. Governments should not support policies that legalize homosexual marriage or place it on equal status with traditional marriage between one man and one woman. Here are the Biblical passages concerning homosexuality.

God’s original design for marriage between one man and one woman (Gen 1:27; Gen 2:18; Gen 2:22-24)
God calls homosexual relations an abomination (Lev 18:22)
Mosaic law gives death as punishment for homosexual relations (Lev 20:13)
Homosexual behavior of the inhabitants is stated as a reason for God’s destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19)
Reference to Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of the judgment to come (Jude 1:7)
Jesus references God’s original design for marriage found in Genesis (Matt 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-8)
Paul addresses homosexual behavior and says they will receive due penalty for their error (Rom 1:23-27)
Paul says those who practice homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9)

Individual Liberty

The Bible supports individual liberty. Governments should promote individual liberty with their policies keeping in mind that every incremental increase in government regulation is also an incremental removal of individual liberty.

Freedom of Choice (Gen 2:16-17; Deut 30:19; Josh 24:15; Matt 11:28; Rev 22:17)
Slavery is viewed negatively in the Bible (Exod 20:2)
Loss of liberty was used as judgment (Deut 28:28-33; Judg 2:16-23)
The Jubilee year seen in a positive light (Lev 25:10)

Intelligence gathering/ spying with organizations such as the CIA:

Intelligence gathering with spies is Biblically supported. The basis for this support for is in Rom 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-14, which gives civil government the responsibility to defend its citizens from evil. Here are examples of the use of spies in the Bible:

Joshua sends spies into the Promised Land before the conquest of Canaan (Josh 2:1)
David sends spies to learn the whereabouts of King Saul (1 Sam 26:4)
David sends a spy to learn about the plans of Absalom to capture Jerusalem (2 Sam 15:32-37; 16:15-19; 17:5-22)

Judges

According to the Bible, judges should judge according the to the law. They should show no partiality to the poor or to the rich. In numerous passages the Bible also addresses the taking of bribes.

Judge according to the law (Ezek 44:24; Acts 23:3; Ezra 7:25-27)
Do not show partiality to anyone or take bribes (Deut 16:16-20; Exod 23:3, 23:6, 23:8; Lev 19:15; Chron 19:5-7; Ps 82:2-4; Prov 17:26)

Marriage

The Bible’s definition of marriage as established by God is a lifelong union between one man and one woman. Christians and Government should encourage this traditional view of marriage.

The creation account of Adam and Eve (Gen 1:26-28; Gen 2:4-25)
Jesus’ reference to Genesis and God’s plan for marriage (Matt 19:3-6)

Polygamy

God never commands polygamy and it is counter to his plan for marriage found in Genesis 1-2 before there was sin in the world. There is no general prohibition against it found in the Bible, but it does give numerous examples of the problems that it causes.

Problems caused by polygamy (Gen 16; Gen 29-311; Sam 1; 1 King 11)
Prohibition of polygamy for Israel’s Kings (Deut 17:17)
Exclusion of polygamists from being elders (1 Tim 3:2)

Property

The Bible regularly assumes and reinforces a system in which property belongs to individuals, not to the government or to society as a whole. There are numerous passages that give credence to this statement. Here are a few.

The law against coveting and stealing another individual’s property (Exod 20:15-17)
Punishments for stealing or damaging another person’s property (Exod 21:28-36; 22:1-15; Deut 22:1-4; 23:24-25; 19:14)
Warning from Samuel on what a powerful government would do to their property (1 Sam 8:10-18)
Private ownership provides opportunities to test what is in our hearts and opportunities to give thanks to God (Col 3:15; 1 Tim 6:17)

Representative Government:

The Bible gives support for some form of representative government.

We are all made in the image of God and therefore are all equal before him (Gen 1:27; Gen 9:6). This leads to the concept of rule of law [See Rule of Law] and ruling with the consent of the governed.
Biblical principle of separation of powers [See Separation of Powers] that helps to prevent the misuse of power. Accountability to the governed is part of this separation of power.
The purpose of government is to promote good for the people and punish evil [See Civil Government]. The people themselves are best suited to choose a government and leadership that meets this requirement to work for their good.
Examples of consent (or seeking consent) of the governed in the Bible: Moses (Exod 4:29-31), Samuel (1 Sam 7:5-6), Saul (1 Sam 10:24), David (2 Sam 2:4), Solomon (1 Kings 1:39), Apostles (Acts 6:3)
Negative examples of rulers who did not have consent: Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:15-16), Pharaoh (Exod 3:9-10), Philistines (Judg 14:4), Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:1-21), Herod the Great and other Roman leaders (Matt 2:16-17; Luke 13:1; Acts 12:1-2)

Rule of Law:

The Bible supports rule of law. A principle in which the law is the highest authority, not any leader or ruler. Everyone is subject to the same law.

Israel’s Kings were required to keep and understand the Mosaic law, which they would also be subject to (Deut 17:18-20)
Kings rebuked for disobeying the law (Sam 13:13-14; 2 Sam 12; 1 Kings 18:18)
Paul rebukes Peter as a leader in the Church (Gal 2:11-12)

Separation of Powers:

The Bible supports separation of powers in a governing authority.

Dangers of unchecked power (2 Sam 11; 1 Kings 11:3-4; Deut 17:17; 1-2 Chron; 1 Sam 8:11-18)
Jesus established twelve apostles to lead the Church (Matt 10:1-4; Acts 1:15-26)
Example of the Church being governed by multiple elders (Titus 1:5; James 5:14)

Taxes

Should we pay taxes at all

Both Jesus in Matt 22:17-21 and Paul in Rom 13:6-7 affirm that it is ok to pay taxes to a civil government

Should taxes be high or low

Numerous Biblical principles support lower rather than higher taxes. The first is its support of individual liberty. The more money the government takes in taxes from an individual, the less liberty the individual has. [see Individual Liberty]
The second is the Bible’s support of private ownership of property, which includes your income. [see Property]
The Bible states numerous times that a laborer deserves the wages for their work (Luke 10:7; 1 Cor 3:8; Luke 19:17). This includes both rich and poor.
The Laffer curve shows that lower taxes actually generate more revenue for the government. This allows for more liberty for individuals while providing more money for the government to care for those truly in need. Those who support the Biblical principle of helping those in need should support lower taxes for all people.

What type of tax system

We currently have a progressive tax system. There is nothing in the Bible that supports this type of tax system. Modeled on the tithing system in the Bible, a flat tax most closely resembles a system that would be Biblically supported.
A 10% tithe for all citizens regardless of wealth (Deut 14:22-23; Lev 27:30-32)
We are not to judge someone based upon their wealth (Lev 19:15)
We are not to impose a fine on a righteous man (Prov 17:26)
The purpose of government is to promote good and punish evil (1 Peter 2:14). When a government punishes good stewardship of what God has given a person by imposing higher taxes on them, they contradict the God given purpose of civil government.

Should everyone pay taxes

The Bible supports everyone paying something in taxes, even if it is a small amount
Biblical example of everyone, both rich and poor, paying a tax (Exod 30:13-15)
If the majority of the people in a society are not paying taxes then there is little to no accountability to the people, a check on power [see Separation of Powers]

Taxes on Corporations

Taxes on corporations should be low. The government has a role in helping those in poverty. The best way to do this is not to give handouts, but rather help these people become self sufficient. The best way to do this is the promote a good business climate that promotes job creation so these people can get a job.
Higher taxes are passed on to the consumer with higher prices. Higher prices hurt the poor the most.
Higher taxes on corporations means they have less money to hire more workers, especially low wage workers that need it the most

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains taxes have same negative economic effect as high corporate taxes, which hurts the poorest the most
Bible supports private property [see Property]
Politicians use this tax to target the wealthy which contradicts the Bible’s teaching on impartial judgment (Lev 19:15; Prov 17:26) and the purpose of civil government (1 Peter 2:14)

Death Tax

The Bible does not support the death tax, it should be completely repealed.
The Bible’s teaching on inheritance showing we should pass it on to our children, not the government (Prov 13:22; Prov 19:14; Num 27:8-11)
The Bible’s teaching on the government not taking people’s inheritance (Ezek 46:18)
Bible support of private property [see Property]

War:

The Bible supports war if it is a just war. A war is commonly accepted as a just war if it meets the criteria of the “Just War” tradition. This tradition has been developed over time with significant input from Biblical scholars. The justification begins with the purpose of civil government, which is to promote good and punish evil. (Rom 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-14) These verses give the moral obligation to civil governments to defend its people from evil. The following are the criteria and biblical references for the “Just War” tradition:

Just Cause (is the reason for going to war a morally right cause) Rev. 19:11
Competent Authority (Recognized, competent authority such as a civil government vs something such as a terrorist organization) Rom 13:1
Comparative Justice (actions of the enemy are morally wrong while your motives and actions are morally right) Rom 13:3
Right Intention (Purpose of going to war to protect/defend vs to just pillage/destroy) Prov 21:2
Last Resort (reasonable means to resolve conflict exhausted) Matt 5:9, Rom 12:18
Probability of Success (reasonable expectation that it can be won) Luke 14:31
Proportionality of Projected Results (Is the good that will come with victory greater than the loss that will come from pursuing the war) Rom 12:21, Rom 13:4
Right Spirit (War undertaken with great reluctance rather than with delight) Ps 68:30

There are also 4 criteria for how a just war should be fought that are supported Biblically.

Proportionality of Force (Least amount of force used to win the war) Deut 20:10-12
Discrimination between Combatants and Non-Combatants Deut 20:13-14, 19-20
Avoidance of Evil Means (captured or defeated enemy treated properly/justly) Ps 34:14
Good Faith (Genuine desire for restoration of peace with attacking nation) Matt 5:43-44, Rom 12:18

Some examples of war in the Bible (Judg. 2:16-18, 1 Sam 17, 2 Sam 5:17-25, 2 Sam 18:1-33)